Teaser Synopsis:
Life on the tiny island of Guernsey has just become a whole lot harder for fifteen-year-old Cat Rozier. She’s gone from model pupil to murderer, but she swears it’s not her fault. Apparently it’s all the fault of history.
Longer version click here.
First Thoughts after finishing this book: "Was Cat crazy or is it me?????"
The sentences that helped create the atmosphere of unease:
Killing myself wouldn't be too clever, but then neither was killing Nicolette. It's been a fortnight since they found her body and for the most part I am glad she's gone. But I also can't believe she's dead, and I should because I did it. Yes. That's right. I killed Nicolette on these very cliffs and I'm frankly amazed that no one has guessed. [p.1]
What worked for me:
- Guernsey- after reading and loving 'The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society' I knew that this was a place I would like to revisit. One of the things that I would absolutely recommend to someone who is thinking of reading The Book of Lies is to visit this website all about the island. I loved the short video and it really helped me to see the island and get a feel of this place. I wished I'd done this prior to reading the book. I love envisioning places, people, and scenery while reading and I think this would help others.
- The historical aspect of the story. Again, I like historical fiction and felt that the author made Guernsey its own character in the story. Much of what happened in this story, people blamed on the island.
- At first I wasn't sure if I would enjoy the two parallel stories (Cat's story in 1984 and her Uncle Charles from 1943-1965) but I eventually found myself at ease with the story changing from Cat to her Uncle Charlie's.
- The author has a very distinct voice and way of storytelling.
What didn't work for me:
- I thought the first half of the book was a bit slow and I never really felt a connection with Cat. The author tells us that she's a bit of an unreliable narrator, so I was never really sure if her version was the truth. But in the end I think it really did work for the author.
Would I recommend? Yes, but with a few hesitations. I would tell you to read the P.S. part of the book first. I find that the insights and interviews with the author actually enrich the reading experience. I should go with my gut instinct and do it every time before diving into the story. After I read the P.S. section light bulbs starting going off in my head!! I felt that the story moved a bit slow for me, but overall I'm glad that I stuck with it because I ended up learning quite a bit about Guernsey and the role it and those that lived there played in WWII.
Rating: 7.5/10
Author: Mary Horlock
Mary Horlock is an authority on contemporary art who has worked at the Tate Britain and Tate Liverpool, and curated the Turner Prize for contemporary art. She spent her childhood in Guernsey, and lives in London.
Published: July 19, 2011
Publisher: Harper PerennialPages: 347Genre: Literary FictionISBN: 9780062065094
Disclaimer:Thank you to TLC Book Tours for sending me a review copy. I was not compensated for my review. My thoughts on this book were in no way influenced by the author or publicist.They are my personal reflections based solely on MYexperience while reading this novel.
© 2011, Staci of Life in the Thumb. All Rights Reserved. If you reading this on a site other than, Life in the Thumb or Staci's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.
© 2011, Staci of Life in the Thumb. All Rights Reserved. If you reading this on a site other than, Life in the Thumb or Staci's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.
